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Compare Xopenex vs. Qvar RediHaler

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Levalbuterol (Xopenex) and beclomethasone (Qvar RediHaler) are both inhaled medications used to manage asthma, but they work in different ways and are used for different purposes. Levalbuterol is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA) that quickly relaxes the muscles in your lungs to relieve sudden wheezing or shortness of breath. It is typically used three times a day and is available as a lower-cost generic. On the other hand, beclomethasone is a long-acting inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) that helps control asthma by reducing inflammation in your lungs. It is used twice a day and is not available as a generic. Unlike levalbuterol, beclomethasone should not be used to treat sudden asthma symptoms and requires regular daily use to be effective. Additionally, beclomethasone can cause fungal infections in the mouth if you don't rinse your mouth after use, while levalbuterol can cause side effects like headache and runny nose.

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  • Levalbuterol (Xopenex) inhalation solution
    Qvar redihaler (beclomethasone)
  • Levalbuterol (Xopenex) inhalation solution
    Qvar redihaler (beclomethasone)

  • Summary of Xopenex vs. Qvar RediHaler

    Summary for SABA
    Prescription only

    Levalbuterol inhalation solution (also known by its brand name, Xopenex) is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA). It's used to treat and prevent sudden wheezing or shortness of breath in people with certain breathing problems, such as asthma. This medication is for adults and children ages 6 years and older. Levalbuterol (Xopenex) inhalation solution is inhaled through the mouth with a nebulizer machine. Side effects of this medication include headache, sore throat, and runny nose. It's available as a lower-cost generic.

    Summary for Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
    Prescription only

    QVAR RediHaler, the brand name for beclomethasone dipropionate HFA inhaler, is an inhaled corticosteroid. It's used in people ages 4 years and older for the maintenance treatment of asthma. This medication is inhaled through the mouth twice per day. Like other inhaled steroid medications, Qvar RediHaler (beclomethasone) can cause upper respiratory tract infections and oral thrush as side effects.

  • Indications of Xopenex vs. Qvar RediHaler

    Indications for
    •Treatment or prevention of wheezing or tightening of airways in people ages 6 years and older with certain types of lung problems (e.g., asthma)
    Indications for
    •Maintenance treatment of asthma in people ages 4 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Xopenex vs. Qvar RediHaler

    Pros and Const for SABA
    Pros
    •Works well for relieving wheezing or shortness of breath
    •Quickly opens up the airways
    •Can use for children as young as 6 years old
    Cons
    •Takes about 5 to 15 minutes to take the whole dose
    •Need to use with a nebulizer machine, which isn't ideal for someone who is traveling
    •Need to inhale 3 times daily, so not a long-acting medication
    Pros and Const for Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
    Pros
    •Breath-actuated inhaler; might be easier to use than metered-dose inhalers
    •Works directly in the lungs, so it has fewer side effects compared to oral steroids
    •Considered safe while pregnant
    Cons
    •Might need to use 4 inhalations daily (2 puffs twice daily)
    •Can take up to 2 weeks to have better control of asthma symptoms, and up to 4 weeks for full effects
    •Can cause fungal infections in the mouth and throat, especially if you don't rinse your mouth after each use

  • Common Side Effects of Xopenex vs. Qvar RediHaler

    Common Side Effects for

    Ages 12 years and older:

    •Viral infection (7-12%)
    •Runny nose (3-11%)
    •Nervousness (3-10%)

    Ages 6 to 11 years:

    •Headache (8-12%)
    •Runny nose (6-10%)
    •Sore throat (3-10%)
    •Asthma (6-9%)
    •Viral infection (8-9%)
    •Rash (up to 8%)
    •Diarrhea (2-6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Fungal infection in the mouth or throat (up to 7%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (up to 4%)

  • Warnings of Xopenex vs. Qvar RediHaler

    Common Side Effects for
    •Breathing problems
    •Heart problems
    •Allergic reactions
    •Low potassium in the blood
    •Only take as directed
    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for use in asthma attack or for worsening breathing
    •Fungal infection in the mouth (thrush)
    •Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
    •Higher risk of infections
    •Changes in stress hormone levels
    •Delayed growth in children
    •Weakening bones
    •Eye and vision problems
    •Allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Xopenex vs. Qvar RediHaler

    Learn more about Levalbuterol
    Learn more about Qvar redihaler

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